Neel Burnett Ackerman

Neel Burnett Ackerman - HARRISONBURG, VA - Neel Burnett Ackerman, 83, of Harrisonburg, VA, formerly of Springfield, GA, passed away on Wednesday October 12, 2011 at Oak Lea Nursing Home. Mr. Ackerman was born on October 9, 1928 in Savannah, GA and was a son of the late Lawrence Boswell and Lilly (Nease) Ackerman. He was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, and received his Eagle Scout. Mr. Ackerman graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Civil Engineering. He most recently worked for Braniger Corporation in Savannah, GA. He also served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Ackerman was a longtime member of Springfield United Methodist Church in Springfield, GA, prior to moving to Harrisonburg. He most recently attended Asbury United Methodist Church in Harrisonburg. He began singing barbershop music in Savannah, GA with 13th Colony Sound. When he moved to Harrisonburg, he was a founding member of the Harrisonburg Harmonizers and was a member of the Shenandoah Valley Choral Society. On September 23, 1950, he married the former Barbara Bentley who survives. In addition to his wife, Mr. Ackerman is survived by two sons, Dr. Neel B. Ackerman Jr., and wife Martha of Dallas, TX, Thad L. Ackerman and wife Sharon of Townsend, GA; a daughter, Kathy Whitten and husband Larry of Harrisonburg; eight grandchildren, Adam Ackerman, Katie A. Rhamey and husband Patrick, Thera J. Powell and husband Jason, T.J. Ackerman, Tori W. Jackson and husband Chris, Seth N. Whitten, Bryan B. Whitten, Scott L. Whitten and wife Valerie; and three great-grandchildren, Brody Powell, Teaghan Powell, and Trey Rhamey. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Ackerman; and two sisters, Ruth Hickman and Mary Elizabeth Ackerman. A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday October 16, 2011 at 3:30 PM in the Strite Auditorium of Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, with Revs. Ben Burks and Kathleen Webster officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springfield United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 237, Springfield GA 31329; VMRC Good Samaritan Annual Fund, 1491 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22802; or to Harrisonburg Harmonizers, In care of Michael Calhoun P.O. 309 Basye, VA 22810 Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.kygers.com Kyger Funeral Home Harrisonburg, VA 540.434.1359 Savannah Morning News October 14, 2011 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries .